Quit balking and start walking

"Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." 
1 Samuel 15:22,23

Ouch! I don't know about you, but the above verse has some difficult words in it.  As one who desires to follow the Lord's lead and to obey Him, I am sadly aware of the times I balk when He calls me to do something. The thought that my rebellion is the same sin as witchcraft and my stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry, cuts deeply.

As I was thinking about what to title this piece, two titles came to mind. The one in the title and the other "Don't be slow when God says Go!" They are reminders to me of the necessity of obeying God every time, no matter what He asks of me to do. I have had to repent and apologize numerous times for lagging in obedience.  I don't think I'm being disobedient when I dawdle, but I am, and in truth, it shows a tremendous lack of trust in confidence in God's leading. I have recognized there are far too many times when the Lord calls me to do something that I am reluctant in my response.  It's not that I don't do as He asks, but I fail to respond quickly to Him, dragging my feet and (sadly) whining a bit about what He wants me to do. Of course, as the gentle, loving Father that He is, He allows me to throw my little tantrum, but then gently disciplines me after I'm done, even blessing me in spite of my behavior.

Recently I was reluctant to attend a meeting with my husband, not wanting to leave my "comfort zone". I like being somewhat of a hermit and not having to interact with people, especially when I'm feeling tired and a bit stretched. I knew my excuse was feeble though, and attended the meeting with my husband. For the better part of the evening I did my "duty" as his supportive spouse, but had little confidence I was there for anything other than that. But then, God being God, and loving and using us in spite of our negative attitudes, put someone in front of me who needed a word of comfort. Immediately stricken by my selfish, self-serving attitude, I shot a prayer heavenward asking for forgiveness and the right words to minister to the hurting soul who wept before me. Encouraging her and praying with her, I knew I was there for a purpose.

As we left the meeting the joy and conviction I felt was overwhelming. I couldn't help but wonder how many opportunities I've missed because of my stubborn and rebellious spirit. It caused me to look deeper into the places where I lag in obedience out of selfishness or lack of trust. It humbles me again before my gracious Lord, knowing how much He sacrificed for me, and makes me even more determined to correct my behavior.

So, as I hear Him tell me the things He wants me to do today, I do them as quickly as possible, trusting Him for the out come. After all, it's not about ME. It's always about serving Him, and every time I do, I am blessed above and beyond what I can think or ask.

I pray you will find the joy of His grace in serving Him as well. May He always receive the glory.

Press on in perseverence

"...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.

But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water

springing up into everlasting life." ~ Jesus as quoted in John 4:14

On our drive down into town there is a place in the road which has been resurfaced numerous times. It isn't because of wear and tear from traffic on the road, but rather because of a natural spring that pushes its way through the asphalt. No matter how many times it gets filled in and covered up, the force of the small spring continues to make its way through the barrier to the surface.

I love it.

Seeing it helps me remember to remain tenacious in the journey. It reminds me to remain centered in the Lord's provision, pressing on in His strength, and not my own. It serves as a visual lesson of caution of the snares and cares of life that the enemy of our souls, and the prince of this world will throw onto the path. He will use whatever he can to distract, trying to prevent us from accomplishing the work the Lord has for us to do. It takes a mindset of determination and a right focus to stay the course, in spite of obstacles and barriers. It means taking my eyes off the hindrances and keeping them fixed on Jesus.
I must continually refresh myself in God's word and stand on His promises, undeterred by the problems that arise, fully dependent on Him to lead me to victory.

God has promised to never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) We can follow Him with confidence, no matter where He leads, because He is faithful and true. We can trust Him, even when the way seems narrow and difficult. Years ago when I was leading a ladies Bible study I used the example of  putting on "spiritual blinders" to help keep our eyes fixed on the path the Lord lays before us. Much like horses that have blinders on their halters so as not to get spooked or distracted by things along the road, we must guard ourselves against the enemy's attempt to get our attention.

We were not assured ease, comfort and pleasure in uniting our lives with Jesus, but given assurance that He will not leave us. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18 His peace will always be available. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27  The Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us to do that which we've been called to do, granting us the tenacity necessary to complete the journey.

So press on in perseverance dear friends. Determine to keep your eyes on Jesus, no matter what, and don't become distracted or side tracked by the obstacles and barriers the enemy may throw in your way. Ask the Lord to give you clarity and courage. He is faithful and will always answer.

"And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish: or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion: If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

~Jesus as quoted in Luke 11:10-13